Covering about 70 percent of the world, water plays a critical role in life.

Florida Museum of Natural History visitors will soon be able to learn how our daily actions impact the water supply and how University of Florida scientists are working to find solutions to global challenges involving water in a free exhibit that began Sept. 29.

“Water: Discovering and Sharing Solutions” illustrates why water is critical for life on earth and explains UF research involving water, invasive plants and animals, and food production.

“Understanding the many facets of Florida’s water issue is critical to our state’s continued growth and quality of life,” said Jack Payne, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “It may be the single most important issue facing Florida. UF/IFAS is working diligently to provide scientific resources that help communities make thoughtful decisions about water management. This exhibit is one way to help people understand how water impacts their lives and broaden their perspective about water.”

The exhibit is divided into seven subcategories: water, Cedar Key clams, invasive animals, invasive plants, citrus, recreation and landscaping. It includes interactive displays, live animals and a hands-on Florida spring water table to show visitors how UF is finding solutions to global challenges involving water, invasive plants and animals, and food production.

A collaborative effort of the museum, the University of Florida and UF/IFAS, the exhibit is part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1862, which enabled the creation of land-grant universities, including UF.

The exhibit was displayed during the summer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, an annual event held at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The Florida Museum will display the exhibit through Jan. 2, 2013.

For more information, visit http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/water/index.html.